Core 5 120U
Intel
PassMark
16,225
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The Core 5 120U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-U Refresh (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 16,225 points. Launch price was $299.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120U
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core 5 120U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core 5 120U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core 5 120U is a 10-core / 12-thread processor based on the Raptor Lake-U Refresh (2024) architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5 GHz from a base frequency of 1.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 16,225, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Recent generation product.
| Specification | Core 5 120U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 10C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 5 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Raptor Lake-U Refresh (2024) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 10 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80 kB (per core) |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 55 MHz |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 16,225 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 5 120U fits into the FCBGA1744 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-4267 memory.
| Specification | Core 5 120U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Raptor Lake-U |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-4267 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core 5 120U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core 5 120U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #959 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core 5 120U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $299 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #959 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 8 January 2024 (1 year ago) |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for Core 5 120U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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